I have a 1984 F-150 with 65000 original 1 owner miles. It has set without being drove for 2 1/2 years. I replaced plugs, wires, and distibutor, rotor button, alternator, battery. After it gets hot (driving 10-20 miles) It doesn't want to start backup right away. If it sets 5 minutes, it will crankup fine. I was told it was the timing, so I set it and it doesn't do it as often, but still every once in a while. What is wrong? Any help appreciated

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Kevin D. Green

 

Is the engine carbureted or injected? also, does it have electronic ignition?
I can't remember when ford switched the 351s over.

 

IndyFan:

It has Holley carb and I don't think electronic ignition.
kevin

 

My buddy had the same problem on his '78. It sounds like you have a minor case of vapor lock. Get the carb looked at.

 

Is it the Ho version? It should be (1984). I think it would be the duraspark 2 or maybe 3.

 

Pastmaster:

Yes it is the H.O motor. What are you thinking could be wrong? It is not vaporlocking as it is not overheating any. Also, I checked the starter and it is fine. I had a friend tell me to check the ground cable but it is fine to. I am at my whitts end with this thing.

 

kdgreen,
what do you mean it won't start? Will it crank and never fire, or will it not even crank when it gets hot?

I have a 1985 Bronco with 351 H.O. and if I set timing too far advanced it sounds as if the battery's almost dead - and worse when hot. I only have to retard timing a little to make it fire quick and fast. I couldn't tell if you were experiencing this type of problem or not. If you've set your timing by timing light at about 8 degrees BTDC, you still might want to experiment by going a couple degrees less, maybe to 5 or 6 BTDC.
Good luck!

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1999 F250SD, XLT, 4x2, SC, V10, 4.30, LT235x85x16R, Longbed, Diamond plate mud flaps,Trailer tow Pkg, Class IV hitch, Camper special, sliding rear window, rear privacy glass, Ford rain gutters, Line-X, Lund wind deflector, Banks Trans Command, Banks tranny temp guage with Auto Meter single guage pod. Reese 15K fifth wheel hitch

 

F250NUT:

Yes, that is exactly my problem. I retarded the timing a little but the problem still persists but not as often? I have wondered about replacing the timing chain. I really don't know. What do you think?

 

kdgreen.
Which of the 2 symptoms that f250nut mentioned are you getting:
Cranks easy but won't start or won't crank.

 

Guys:

After it has got hot, it will barely crank if at all, but let it set for 5 minutes and it will crank just fine.

 

Ok, that narrow's it down.

It's either timing, battery or starter.
The starter may be getting hot and binding, in addition the battery may be getting weak and can't overcome the extra load from the starter.
Try f250nut's suggestion and retard the timing a little bit more, if that doesn't do it try the battery/starter combination.
An easy test is when it's hot put in another battery, one you know is strong.

It's pretty hard to bench-test the starter under actual conditions so that might be your last resort.

ps. I had an '83 GT that had the same symptoms once, it turned out to be a weak battery. That car killed batteries by OVERcharging them to death. I went through 2 regulators in 15 years and nothing changed.
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1999 Lariat Super Cab, S.B. 5.4L, 3.55 LS
and everything but the leaky slider window.
Bright red w/ gold 2-tone, Leather Captain's Chairs
Mods: Duraliner bedliner, Bugflector II, Hide-a-hooks.
& a leeetle chrome tip on the exhaust.




[This message has been edited by Indyfan (edited 03-14-2000).]

 

Thanks for all of the suggestions. IndyFan: I will try the battery thing This weekend.